Washington · Handbook chapter 8 · 5 min read

Chapter 8: Intersections, turns and roundabouts

Washington intersection rules: what to do before entering, right-of-way at four-way and two-way stops, uncontrolled intersections, turning into the correct lane, U-turns, T and Y intersections, mid-block crossings, traffic calming circles, roundabouts and diverging diamond interchanges.

Why this chapter matters

Many crashes happen where roads meet, so the permit test returns to intersections again and again. Know who goes first, which lane to turn into and how to drive a roundabout, and you will handle a big share of the questions.

Before you enter any intersection

An intersection is anywhere two or more roads meet, including driveways, shopping center and parking lot entrances. Every intersection is legally a crosswalk.

• Stop and yield to pedestrians and to traffic already in the intersection.
• Look in each direction more than once, and check your mirrors and over your shoulder for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
• If your view is blocked at the stop line, edge forward slowly until you can see. Cross drivers will see your car's front first and can slow down or warn you.
• Make sure there is room to get all the way through without blocking the intersection.

Who goes first

Four-way stop

• The first vehicle to arrive goes first, then the second, and so on.
• If two arrive at about the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right.
• A vehicle turning left yields to vehicles going straight or turning right.

Two-way stop

Turning vehicles yield to vehicles going straight.

Uncontrolled intersections

These have no signs, but the normal rules apply. You must yield if:

• A vehicle is already in the intersection.
• You are entering or crossing a state highway from a secondary road.
• You are entering a paved road from an unpaved one.
• You are turning left and a vehicle is coming from the opposite direction.

Turning

• Washington law says you turn into the lane closest to the direction you are coming from. You may change lanes after the turn.
• With more than one turn lane, stay in your own lane through the turn.
• Signal at least 100 feet before you turn, look for a safe gap, and check the street you are entering for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Check behind you for bicyclists and yield to them before you turn. They may be going faster than you think.

U-turns

In Washington, U-turns are generally allowed unless a sign says otherwise. You need a clear view in every direction, so never make one on a curve or near the crest of a hill.

Types of intersection

• Cross intersection: a four-way junction. Apply the right-of-way rules.
• T-intersection: a road ends at a through road. A stop or yield sign may tell you that through traffic goes first.
• Y-intersection: a minor road joins a major one. Vehicles on the major road have the right-of-way.
• Mid-block crossing: a crosswalk between intersections. Pedestrians in a marked crosswalk always have the right-of-way; stop for them even if there is no stop sign.

Traffic calming circles

A painted or raised island in the middle of an intersection, with traffic going counterclockwise around it. It may have stop or yield signs on some, all or none of its approaches, and the normal right-of-way rules apply. Large vehicles such as fire trucks may have to go clockwise to get through, so give them room.

Roundabouts

A roundabout is a circular intersection where everyone yields on entry and travels counterclockwise around a raised center island.

1. Slow down. Roundabouts are designed for 15 to 25 mph.
2. Pick your lane using the lane-choice sign, and stay in it until you exit.
3. Stop for pedestrians and bicyclists in the crosswalks as you enter and leave.
4. Look left and yield to all traffic already in the roundabout, then enter at a gap.
5. Enter to the right and travel counterclockwise.
6. Exit at your street.
7. If an emergency vehicle comes, drive through the roundabout and then pull over.

Large vehicles may use the truck apron around the center island and both lanes, so stay well back from trucks. Bicyclists may ride through as a vehicle, in the middle of the lane, or cross as pedestrians.

Diverging diamond interchanges

At a diverging diamond, markings and signals guide you to cross to the left side of the road as you pass over or under the freeway, so you can turn left onto the ramp without crossing oncoming traffic, and then guide you back to the right. Follow the signs and markings closely and keep a safe speed.